‘No DSS’ listings banned on Zoopla
Zoopla has announced it will ban the phrase ‘No DSS’ form listings on its website following pressure from Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Heather Wheeler, and ‘Housing Charity’, Shelter. They are also following recommendations from the RLA and NLA. The ban will be in force as of next month.
It was reported that approximately 10% of rental listings on Zoopla were advertised as ‘No DSS’.
Charlie Bryant, Zoopla Managing director, said: “We fully support the recommendations of the NLA and the RLA, which oppose blanket bans against tenants in receipt of housing related benefits, and are pleased to be taking action which clarifies this position.
“All tenants who are looking to rent a property deserve the chance to be fully assessed for their suitability and matched to a home that suits both their and the landlord’s circumstances.
“We proactively sought the views of our largest lettings focused agents to ensure the above measures were undertaken on a collaborative basis and received significant support in respect of our proposed additional measures.”
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Member Since September 2017 - Comments: 7
4:23 PM, 15th March 2019, About 7 years ago
So will the Government also tell the insurance companies not to discriminate against Dss ?? Because every policy i take out I am asked will I be renting to dss or asylum seekers if there is no loading on the policy why do they need to ask the question?
Member Since December 2013 - Comments: 179
9:37 PM, 15th March 2019, About 7 years ago
Again this situation is ridiculous and will help nobody. It will waste dss homeseekers time as well as causing them additional misery- at the end of the day if I choose not to rent to dss then I won’t, they just will be told they’ve been unsuccessful (not they’ve been unsuccessful because they’re dss). Not being allowed to let the applicants know in advance they dont have a chance… well what a waste of everyones time. And the government claim to be helping these people? If thats their attempt at help I’d hate to see them purposely try to frustrate!
Member Since May 2016 - Comments: 1570 - Articles: 16
9:51 PM, 15th March 2019, About 7 years ago
Reply to the comment left by paul landlord at 15/03/2019 – 21:37
Agree totally Paul, will waste a lot of dss Tenants ( and Agents time.
There are some Landlords who despite the Govt’s catastrophe of U.C, ( they’ve got themselves to blame ) will still take DSS tenants, so let them know who they are so wastes less time for everybody.
And if the Govt hadn’t have frozen LHA benefit, pricing those tenants out of the market, there would be lots more properties available for them to let.
Member Since April 2014 - Comments: 985 - Articles: 2
10:45 PM, 15th March 2019, About 7 years ago
I don’t have any issues here. Just email a questionnaire to anyone who applies before any viewing with questions that will identify any high risk tenants. Also, state in the advert that the successful candidate will need to get through stringent referencing and credit checks and qualify for rent guarantee insurance.
Member Since December 2015 - Comments: 292
7:57 AM, 16th March 2019, About 7 years ago
Just don’t advertise. Most lettings agents will have a list of potential tenants just sitting there already. Like buyers for properties not even on the market yet. Over a period of time this list will grow as there are no adverts going out for tenants to look at. Save the agents money. Place all the emphasis on the tenant doing the chasing. if they want to let a property then they can ring up or pop into an agent and register an interest to want to rent a certain type of property. Letting agents then offer to the most suitable ‘registered’ applicant. Probably several landlords on this site have had people contact them direct asking if they have anything to let. I have and still do. Just use word of mouth if necessary. Just a thought.
Member Since June 2014 - Comments: 1562
10:56 AM, 16th March 2019, About 7 years ago
Zoopla dictating how customers should conduct their business?
Another reason to use Rightmove.
Member Since September 2013 - Comments: 374
11:24 AM, 16th March 2019, About 7 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Monty Bodkin at 16/03/2019 – 10:56
Yes, but it will surely not be long before RightMove follow along?
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1020 - Articles: 47
12:22 PM, 16th March 2019, About 7 years ago
It’s not just landlords and agents who are pointing out how a ban would waste everybody’s time https://thenegotiator.co.uk/banning-no-dss-in-adverts-waste-of-time-says-leading-solicitor/
Member Since October 2015 - Comments: 5
12:43 PM, 18th March 2019, About 7 years ago
Whilst I agree with the sentiments of this new “rule” and personally do not have a problem with letting to people on benefits, my Lease and my Freeholder clearly states that my property must only be let to “working people”. What can I do? My hands are tied. I am only able to let my property with the permission of the Freeholder and his agents.
Comments: 1
2:36 PM, 18th March 2019, About 7 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Jo Jolly at 18/03/2019 – 12:43
55% of people on housing benefits are working.